# 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta

A weeknight lifesaver made from pantry staples: hot spaghetti tossed in a glossy garlic butter sauce with parmesan and parsley.

- **Time:** 15 min

- **Servings:** 4 servings

- **Difficulty:** Easy

## Ingredients

- 12 oz spaghetti

- 6 tbsp unsalted butter

- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water

- 1/2 tsp black pepper

## Instructions

- Bring a large pot of well salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain.

- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic turns light golden, about 2 minutes.

- Add 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and bring to a simmer.

- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss until every strand is coated in the glossy sauce, adding a splash more pasta water if it looks dry.

- Remove from the heat and toss with the parmesan, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

- Serve right away with extra parmesan on top.

**Tags:** [15-Minute Meals](/recipes/#15-minute), [Budget Recipes](/recipes/#budget)

## More recipes to try

- [Chicken Stir Fry](/chicken-stir-fry/)
- [Tuna Salad Wrap](/tuna-salad-wrap/)
- [Veggie Quesadilla](/veggie-quesadilla/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does it take to make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta?

15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta takes about 15 min from start to finish, which makes it a great fit for busy weeknights.

### Can I meal prep 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta?

Yes. Cook 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta as written, let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

### What can I substitute in 15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta?

You can swap the protein for a similar one, like turkey for chicken or chickpeas for white beans, and use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Keep the seasoning amounts the same so the flavor stays balanced.